In high school I was sure I didn't want to go through recruitment. Entering college, I thought I'd try the whole recruitment process because why not? As a rising junior, I am a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta serving on our 2017 calendar year executive board as our Administrative Vice President. Sound like a change in attitude? Believe me, there was one.

From an outsider's perspective, Greek Life--understandably--looks like a lot of partying, drinking, hook up culture, and not much else. The mainstream media mainly only picks up on articles about Greek Life regarding hazing. Movies and TV shows only want to show the "wild side" of being in Greek Life.

In reality, there's a completely different side. Well, multiple sides. Today we talk about leadership opportunities. While I'm honored to serve on our executive board, positions range from serving on social and event committees to heading a committee, to controlling an entire department--budget and all. There are endless opportunities to get involved in leadership and grow your professional and personal skills.

I started working on social and philanthropy committees and then was elected by my peers to Standards Chairwoman. After a sister stepped down because she was transferring, I was elected in a special election to Administrative VP, my current position.

In addition to having a plethora of positions to run for, be appointed to, and volunteer for, being surrounded by men and women who actively encourage you to run for positions and mentor you through difficult decisions is such a positive environment to learn about how to be a leader in. The multitude of positions alone is a factor in breaking people out of their comforts zones to step up and help an organization that they truly believe in.